What really happened

Israeli bombing of suspected Syrian nuclear reactor spreads fear throughout the Middle East

The September 2007 precision strike, by the IAF, against a suspected Syrian nuclear site has stirred up a hornets nest.

The Israeli Air Force, guided by operatives on the ground, deep within Syrian territory smashed a suspected nuclear facility.

For several months both Israel and Syria were mum on the incident. Both have their reasons. Israel not eager to make public it’s illegal air raid across sovereign territory and Syria not willing to disclose the likelihood that it is conducting a covert nuclear operation.

Syrian admittance of a nuclear operation would arouse instant condemnation from the IAEA under M. El Baradei. Further economic sanctions – the likes of which Iran is being heavily subjected to – would certainly follow.

Israel is keen to downplay the incident amidst growing discontentment from the Palestinians in their fractured two-state (Gaza and the West Bank) and their frail leadership; rising tensions with Hezbollah and of course the Syrians.

The use of force against suspected nuclear targets is frowned upon. The international community is eager to desist unilateral initiatives in favour of agreed upon diplomatic; political and economic sanctions.

Of course the only point agreed upon by members within the Security Council is their disagreement. Thus the organ of international peacekeeping is akin to a toothless tiger when the opinions of its members result in moribund resolutions.

Israel is unwilling to accept an enemy neighbour armed with nuclear capability. Thus the rapid dismembering of Syria’s capability was paramount. A larger threat, to the Israelis and the world at large, appears to be Iran.

That American security reports found no evidence corroborating nuclear proliferation in Iran, the Iranians have publicly announced, on multiple occasions, their desire for the rapid development of uranium enrichment.

This does not bode well for the teetering world order. With the Mid-East as a potential hotbed for a nuclear arms race, countries are aligning themselves with either side. Moderate Arab states are reluctant to criticize Iran, for fear of arousing the wrath of sympathizers. The delicate situation requires global unity to apply sufficient pressure to bring closure to the matter.

Israel meanwhile sits with its ears to the ground. The drums of war are beginning to sound in the distance.